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Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 5 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a small layby a short distance west along the Glen Etive road from Alltchaorunn bridge - do not park blocking any passing spaces. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge. On the far side take a signed path - boggy underfoot - that cuts south and southwest across the moorland to avoid the grounds of the houses at Alltchaorunn, eventually crossing a ladder stile over a fence. Continue to reach a path junction above the river, and turn right here downstream briefly to reach a footbridge (before reaching the houses).

Stage 2

Cross the bridge and bear left up a sometimes faint footpath on the far side. This climbs southwards up through an area of scattered trees to eventually reach a gate. Pass through this, and then leave the path to climb west up grassy slopes. The initial target is the bealach between the fearsome peak of An Grianan and the main mountain to its west; the ascent is steep at times but the slope is grassy. Once at the bealach, it is possible to make a short detour to visit the top of An Grianan for superb aerial views of the glen far below.

Stage 3

Return to the bealach. The initial climb up to the ridge on the far side is steep and rocky, and best tackled to the left side (it is possible to avoid any scrambling). Higher up the gradient eases and the ridge climbs more pleasantly, giving a chance to enjoy the splendid views of Buachaille Etive Mor and across to the peaks of Glencoe.

Stage 4

The ridge steepens briefly and then broadens as it continues over the main spine of Beinn Ceitlinn. The actual ridge line is ill-defined, dotted with small lochans and rocky outcrops. Eventually there are views to the final destination - the great peak of Stob Dubh that terminates the ridge.

Stage 5

Continue over the couple of minor cairned summits on Beinn Ceitlinn (which is perhaps more properly the name of the whole mountain). There is then a steady descent to the final bealach, and then the final steep ascent up the great cone of Stob Dubh. Again, it is possible to avoid any scrambling sections, and there are stunning views down to Glen Etive down Coire Dionachd to Dalness Lodge far, far below.

Stage 6

The summit cairn is a superb viewpoint, looking down Glen Etive and dominated by the great hulk of Ben Starav.

Stage 7

It is possible to descend the southwest flank of the mountain to Glenceitlinn, though this is unpleasantly steep and finding a way that avoids the crags on the route can be difficult particularly if visibility is poor; such a descent would also leave a long walk back up the road through the glen. A better option is to instead retrace your steps back along the ridge over Beinn Ceitlein, returning via the outward route.